Request for Proposals 2012
Deadline: May 1, 2012
Please note: For applicants who do not yet have a login, we encourage you to create one as soon as possible. Due to the GiveBIG event on May 2, we cannot guarantee new profile requests submitted after April 25 will be processed in time for the Economy grant deadline. Questions? Call us at (206) 515-2109. Create a login >>
The security of our region depends on its economy. A strong economy is the essential engine that fuels all other elements of a healthy community. Without it, our region and its residents cannot thrive. A strong economy creates jobs and security. To cultivate a healthy economy, our region needs to maintain a quality of life that attracts and retains businesses of all sizes. It also needs to nurture the workers who live here and ensure that they can compete for jobs. Our human capital is an asset—and it is up to us to make sure everyone has the chance to contribute to and benefit from regional prosperity. In order to preserve that prosperity, individuals need the chance to grow their assets—the financial resources and knowledge that will help them get ahead and weather economic storms that threaten household stability.
Economic Funding Criteria
The Foundation is currently looking to provide funding to scale up innovative programs or project with proven success in the following three strategies:
Funding will be unrestricted and is intended to help build the capacity to expand proven innovative programs or projects. Proposals must demonstrate cultural competency and stakeholder engagement.
Priorities
The Seattle Foundation’s Economy Grantmaking Program will give priority to proposals that:
- are serving people with low incomes; people who lack access or resources; or people who are traditionally underserved
- create systems or community level improvements
- are joint proposals from partnerships or collaborations
- leverage existing efforts or resources
- build the capacity of specific low-income, underserved communities, either geographic or ethnic
- address more than one of The Seattle Foundation's Economy strategies or other elements of a healthy community
2012 Grant Funding Available
- Total of $125,000 is available for grants to fund innovative programs within our Economy strategies.
- Grant awards will likely range from $20,000 to $50,000.
- Awards will be one-time, one-year grants during the 2012 funding cycle.
- Funds can be used for any expense related to expanding these innovative programs, including research and evaluation that support long-term success and strategy.
Eligibility
To qualify for a grant:
- the applicant must be a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization or be sponsored by a tax-exempt nonprofit organization;
- the applicant must serve residents of King County;
- the applicant's' mission and core services must align with one or more of our three strategies in the Economy Element; and
- the applicant's projects/programs must demonstrate a track record of success (new program or pilots are not eligible).
Schedule
All proposals and back-up materials must be received at The Seattle Foundation by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012. The Seattle Foundation staff will review proposals and contact organizations for more information as needed. Final grant decisions will be made in September 2012. Recipients will be notified at that time and the funds will be awarded.
If you have questions or need additional information as you work on your application, you can contact Aaron Robertson at (206) 515-2109 or a.robertson@seattlefoundation.org.
Application Instructions
The following steps outline the application process and information we are requesting.
Step One
The first step of the process is to contact the Foundation’s grantmaking staff to ensure that you are currently a strong fit for the 2012 priorities. Please contact a.robertson@seattlefoundation.org or call (206) 515-2109.
Step Two
The second step is to create an account login on our website. If you don't have one yet, we encourage you to create an account as soon as possible, as it can take up to two business days to validate your login.
Step Three
The third step is to edit or create a profile for your organization on our website. You will need to submit our Profile Request Form. If your organization does not currently have a profile, please contact grantmaking@seattlefoundation.org to gain access to the Profile Request Form.
Organizations completing a profile are asked to provide: a description of their organization, their mission statement, a brief description of up to three programs or services they offer to address their mission and stated need of the organization; and one of their organization’s recent successes and one of their organization’s current needs.
Step Four
The third step is to complete an online application. For a link to the online application please contact our grantmaking staff at a.robertson@seattlefoundation.org or call (206) 515-2109.
Please refer to the Application Components for a complete list of narrative questions and required attachments.
Step Five (For grant recipients only)
The fifth step requires completion of a Status Report within one year from the date an organization receives a grant.